The data presented in this document make it possible to assess trends in the availability and distribution of medical and paramedical personnel in Louisiana. The report shows the existing situation and provides a basis for evaluating the nature and extent of problems related to health-care needs. The relation of persons per physician, dentist, and various paramedical personnel in Louisiana is compared with national average for the last 2 decades. It is concluded (1) that Louisiana is in a relatively disadvantaged position with regard to availability of all levels of medically related personnel; (2) that the state has not made a great deal of progress toward achieving national norms in the last 2 decades; and (3) that medical personnel are more available to urban people than to rural residents, making the distribution of medical and paramedical personnel in the state highly uneven. The document contains maps and tables relative to the study. (AN)